Just this morning, I listened to his message entitled, "Rejoicing Always". This brought to light what real joy in this life should mean. He explained that the Bible exposes the meaning of joy, as different from happiness, as "it is the emotion springing from the deep down confidence of the Christian that God is in perfect control and that will bring good in time and glory in eternity" The Psalmist writes, "Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all your who are upright in heart!" (Psalm 32:11). This verse illustrates the vibrancy and the excitement when one is in a joyful disposition. Are you rejoicing always?
The question lies in that WHY should we remain joyful amidst difficulties in life, unmet needs, stained relationships, and unstable future? Why should we remain confident, optimistic and delightful that our lives will be secured, victorious, this Christmas season and even, the lifetime ahead of us? John Mcarthur lists 10 points as to why should we be joyful always.
1. It is an act of appreciation for the character of God. Psalm 28:7 says, "The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise Him". I realized that the more you discover the heart of God and his character, the more you are drawn to him, and the more you appreciate His presence in your life.
2. It is an act of appreciation for the work of Christ. How often do we marvel at the selfless act of Christ on the cross and His unchanging grace for us, day by day?
3. It is an act of appreciation for the ministry of the Spirit. Are we sensitive to how the Holy Spirit directs our lives?
4. It is an act of appreciation for spiritual blessings. I like how the Psalmist highlights God's generosity as he writes, "Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits-" How often do you thank the Lord for what He is giving you day in, day out?
5. For Divine Providence. Apostle Paul reminds us that, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28) Do you really trust and believe the Lord's perfect timing in your life- whether it is your career, your love life, or your personal growth?
6. For the promise of future glory. Isn't it a sweet motivation to hold unto the fact that this world is not our real home, but we are just passers-by in this world?
7. An appreciation for answered prayers. How often do you thank God for the littlest and simplest answers to your prayers?
8. An appreciation for the guide in the Word of God. I believe that if it weren't for my relationship with the Lord, I wouldn't be able to survive my graduate school experience and journey in the United States apart from my real home. I could attest how God's Word was truly a lamp to my feet and a light to my path in every decision that I had to make, in every place that I needed to travel to, in every person that I had to meet and in every circumstance and challenge that I faced.
9. An appreciation for Christian fellowship. The company and encouragement of fellow brothers and sisters in Christ is truly a source of strength. I thank God for giving me prayer partners and accountability partners that have become my source of wisdom, and comfort in every phase of my life.
10. An appreciation for Gospel Preaching. I am blessed to be part of a small church that exposes the Word of God, and cares for quality spiritual walk with the Lord. I am also blessed to have a Father who inspires me to know more about God through reading christian books.
This is real joy. It appears to be impossible to experience it, yet I believe that is the Lord's will that we behold this joy as we allow Him to work through our lives. This is what enabling our life to be God's work in progress is all about.
To deny ourselves of the shallow definition of happiness, found in things that are temporal, and rather to delight in enjoying God's faithfulness and love in our lives, is but the real essence of joy this season, and it should be our life-long theme.
John Mcarthur ends his message by saying that "It is the kind of joy that is possible, and desirable".
A blessed Christmas to everyone. My prayer is that you will experience the real joy, and that you will always rejoice in any circumstance you are experiencing now.
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